New officers, codes enforcement officer introduced

By Michaele Duke Staff Reporter

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Andrew Legette, David Tomlinson, Sgt. Carl Scott, William Zurcher, and Chris Miles recently joined the Kingstree Police Department. The department is planning several community minded projects including a self-defense class for women. PHOTO BY MICHAELE DUKE

The Kingstree Police Department (KPD) is planning several community minded projects that include an elderly check and support program and a mentoring program geared at middle and high school students. The programs will also provide citizens an opportunity to meet its staff of law enforcement officers that include several new members that were introduced during Kingstree Town Councilís August 18, meeting.

Officer Zurcher is a native of Williamsburg County and recently graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Zurcher specializes in self-defense and various martial arts disciplines. Zurcher has 25 years experience in martial arts. In 2004, he was the Head Instructor/Owner of Winyah Karate Institute and in 2005, he received his 3rd degree black belt. In 2010, Zurcher was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Instructor of the Year in South Carolina. The department is planning to conduct self-defense classes for women with Zurcher as instructor.

Officer Carl Scott is a graduate of Lake City High School and a graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Scott was formerly employed with Florence County Sheriff Office. Sgt. Scott has 16 years of experience in law enforcement with 15 years with Florence County Sheriff Office. He joined the Kingstree Police Dept. in April of 2013. Sgt. Scott supervises patrol.

Officer David Tomlinson joined Kingstree Police Dept. in August of 2014. He is a graduate of Lake City High School. Prior to law enforcement, Tomlinson has experience as an industrial steel welder/fabricator and quality control supervisor. Tomlinson joined the Florence Police Dept in August 2013. He is a graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Officer Andrew LeGette is a native of Florence County. LeGette started his law enforcement career in 2009 in North Carolina and later relocated to South Carolina joining Sumter Lee Regional Detention Center and Williamsburg County Detention Center. LeGette joined the Kingstree Police Dept. in October of 2013 and recently graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Officer Chris Miles is a native of Florence County and has seven years of law enforcement experience. Officer Miles joined the KPD in January 2014, and brings previous experience from Coward and Lake City Police Departments.

In addition, retired Kingstree Chief of Police Robert Ford has returned as its codes enforcement. Ford retired in 2012 from the police department after serving in law enforcement for 22 years.

Fordís new position involves building inspection and fire marshal duties, among other things. ďItís code enforcement,Ē said Ford who is studying for multiple certifications. ďThere is a certification for each discipline.Ē The certifications, which include plumbing, electrical, and structures are issued through the South Carolina Department of Labor and License. Ford has been issued a provisional license allowing him to perform his duties.

Fordís past should go a long way in his new job. He spearheaded the community senior citizen patrol, a youth group, and other endeavors that created a trusting relationship within the community he once served.

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